Emirates became the first airline to conduct on-site rapid COVID-19 tests for its passengers.
The testing began with Emirates’ passengers on a flight from Dubai to Tunisia on Wednesday, according to a media release.
The quick blood test, conveniently done at the Group Check-in area of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, was conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) before the flight's departure and results were available within 10 minutes.
The airline’s check-in and boarding formalities have also been adapted with social distancing in mind.
Protective barriers have been installed at each check-in desk to provide additional safety measures to passengers and employees during any interaction. Gloves, masks and hand sanitisers have been made mandatory for all employees at the airport.
Passengers are also required to wear their own masks when at the airport and on board the aircraft and follow social distancing guidelines.
Emirates has modified its inflight services for health and safety reasons as well, the release added.
Cabin baggage is currently not accepted on flights. Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items.All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance.
All Emirates aircraft will go through enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes in Dubai, after each journey.
